MFE-500C Flotation equipment 50000 l/hour with centrifugal pump

MFE-500C Flotation equipment for purging of fruit juices with capacity 50 000 liters of must per hour

What is a flotation process

Flotation is most suitable way to achieve the pure fruit juice via continuous purging process. On using the method, the fruit juice is firstly pressure saturated with gas or air, and then the pressure is quickly released. The released air or gas creates small bubbles in the beverage, which bound the solid particles and these particles then flow upward. Therefore a compact mud cake is created on the surface of the juice.

The flotation machines MFE are suitable for the pre-clarification of fruit juice by means of special centrifugal pump or using an eccentric screw pump that are main parts of the flotation machines.

By the flotation process, the fruit juice or must is clarified under pressure after having been pumped with a flotation-gas (commonly air or Nitrogen). The tiny gas-bubbles tie the most solid particles, and then float them up to the top of the tank, to form a floated ‘cake’ of solid particles. The fruit juice which is left beneath becomes very cleared this way and is then pumped out from the bottom of the tank.

The flotation is an opposite process than sedimentation.

For optimal results, it is recommended to use pectolyte enzyme or high-grade Gelatin to better bind the solid particles of the must to the gas-bubbles. Usage of active coal or Bentonite is also possible and effective.

The remaining solid content in the must can reach to below 1%. The pre-clarification degree of the must can be determined by taking samples of the clarified must. By using air occurs a partial oxidation of the free phenols.

The addition of gelatine can be done directly into the must tank or through the welded fitting on the tank. For improved operation in flotation of the juice we recommend to add a curved-tube-sieve on the suction side – this is orderable as an optional accessory.

These units are ideal for wineries and producers of fruit juice or cider because the fast, safe and simple fruit juice clarification is of great importance for the all beverage production process.

Flotation with fresh air in single tank by circulation method.

Very effective and economic method is flotation with suctioning of ambient air, instead of original use of a compressor. The method is very effective for oxidation of free phenols and thus their complete elimination, which significantly affects the increased quality of wine. The single tank circulation method enables flotation and pumping of purged must within one single tank. It is also possible to add the bentonite and CO2, as well as gelatine by means of special ball valve.

Advantages of the flotation in the fruit juice purging

• Quick and continuous processing of must
• Significant decrease / elimination of free phenols
• Increased clarity and amplified colour tones of wine
• Zero risk of souring due to quick processing
• Possible purging even red warmed musts
• Residual solid partices concentration does not exceed 1%
• Relatively low purchase and operating costs
• Simple and easy control
• Needle-type control valve enabling the proportioning of air with utmost precision (incl. flow meter)
• Possibility of using fresh air, sterile air or nitrogen
• Units are equipped with integrated connection spigot in standard
• Micro-bubble gas saturation of the must by means of a special mixing system
• External compressor is no longer required
• Fast, safe and simple to use
• Unit is easy to clean
• A very high level clarify of the must can be reached

Technical specification :

• Flow rate : 50000 liters per hour
• Electric connection : 3ph 400V 50Hz
• Power consumption … 15 kW / max. 27.7 A
• Connection (pipe/hose) : Macon 50
• Weight 124 kg

Optional accessories

Curved tube-sieve : 335 Eur

For improved operation in flotation of the juice we recommend to add a curved-tube-sieve on the suction side.

Available fitting sets to quick connection to the flotation machine (2 pcs per unit) :

• Macon 40 MT to NW 40 VT : 144 Eur
• Macon 40 MT to welding end : 92 Eur
• Macon 40 MT to DIN 50 VT : 165 Eur
• Macon 40 MT to Macon 50 VT : 165 Eur
• Macon 50 MT to NW 50 VT : 165 Eur
• Macon 50 MT to welding end : 102 Eur